Frequently asked questions

General questions

Q1:	Why did First Tech Visa credit cards undergo construction? You already have one of the most versatile Visa credit cards around, but we’re always looking for ways to enhance your Visa experience. That’s why we changed our Visa credit card program.
Q2:	If I make a payment over the phone or at a branch will I have immediate access to my available balance? You will only have immediate access to your available balance if you make your payment in Online Banking. If you make your payment over the phone or in a branch, your available balance will update once we process your payment.
Q3:	Why are you changing to an ACH network for automatic payments? Under our old program, we could only set up automatic payments from a First Tech account. In the future, ACH payment processing will allow us to offer the flexibility to set up automatic payments from any financial institution.
Q4:	I use another financial institution’s bill pay to pay my credit card. Do I need to edit my First Tech account information with them? Yes, you’ll need to edit your financial institution’s bill pay with your new account number. You can find your new account number in Online Banking and you'll see it on your statement starting with you August 17, 2009, statement.
Q5:	When will I receive my new account number? You can find your new account number in Online Banking. You’ll also see it on your statements, starting with your August 17, 2009, statement. This change will not affect your card number – it’s staying the same. To protect your privacy and security, we report your account number on your statement and to credit bureaus, not your card number.
Q6:	I use Microsoft Money/Quicken. Am I affected? Your First Tech account number is tied to your Microsoft Money/Quicken connection, so you’ll need to disable your current First Tech connection and establish a new one. Check out our detailed Money and Quicken instructions. If you have any problems, be sure to give us a call at 800.637.0852.
Q7:	I use Verified by Visa. Am I affected? You’ll need to re-enroll in Verified by Visa to update your information with them. Simply go to Verified by Visa’s website and click the “activate now” button.

Rewards program questions

Q8:	Can I still be able to redeem points to pay for my annual fee? Yes. You can continue to have the option to redeem 2,500 points for the $25 annual card fee.
Q9:	If I redeem points for a plane ticket, can I need to pay security, tax and fuel costs? You do. Previously, when you redeemed points for a plane ticket, the maximum ticket price ($300) included security, tax and fuel costs. Our new program doesn't,  include these costs. You’ll need to pay for them separately when booking your ticket. This change means you’ll receive a higher-valued ticket ($465), giving you additional flight options.
Q10:	If I redeem points for a plane ticket, is there a booking fee? There is no fee for booking a Universal ticket. However, there is a minimal booking fee for a Full Option ($25) or Business & First Class ticket ($30). If you have the available points, you have the option to redeem points to cover the fees – 2,500 points for the Full Option ticket and 3,000 points for the First/Business ticket.
Q11:	Do I earn extra points if I book a companion ticket? Yes. If you book a companion plane ticket and pay for it using your First Tech credit card, you’ll earn double points.
Q12:	If I purchase a companion ticket, is there a booking fee? Yes. There is a $22.50 per ticket processing fee for companion tickets purchased through our First Tech Rewards program.

If you have any other questions or would like more information about our upcoming Visa credit card program changes, please give us a call at 800.637.0852.